NasDem's Sahroni Shocked by Rachmat Gobel's Sudden Passing from Heart Attack
Ahmad Sahroni, the treasurer-general of the NasDem Party’s central executive board (DPP), said he was shocked by the death of his colleague and fellow party member Rachmat Gobel. Sahroni said Rachmat Gobel had died of a heart attack.
He recounted that he had attended a meeting with Rachmat Gobel on Thursday (9/7) at the NasDem faction at around 12.30pm Western Indonesia Time, and that Gobel had appeared to be in good health at the time.
“I was shocked — just yesterday the late Mr Rachmat was at a faction meeting with me, around 12.30 in the afternoon. He met me, we shook hands. He was perfectly healthy yesterday,” Sahroni said when contacted on Friday (10/7/2026).
Upon learning of Rachmat Gobel’s death, Sahroni immediately rushed to the family home to pay his respects. He said Rachmat Gobel had died of a heart attack.
“The late Mr Rachmat passed away due to a heart attack,” he said.
Remembering Rachmat Gobel
Sahroni had every reason to remember the figure of Rachmat Gobel. He described the late politician as his mentor and a business tycoon who always fought for the people.
“Mr Rachmat Gobel was my mentor in the world of politics. He was a remarkable businessman, a pioneer of the electronics manufacturing industry in Indonesia. With his idealism, he devoted his life to politics so he could contribute more widely, particularly to advancing his birthplace of Gorontalo,” Sahroni said.
“A tycoon who fought for the people. His humble, sincere and helpful character was an inspiration to many young cadres drawn into politics,” he added.
The Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives also noted that Rachmat Gobel had an extraordinary career in politics and government.
“His achievements in the NasDem Party and in politics and government were extraordinary. From being entrusted with the post of Minister of Trade to being elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he carried out every mandate with great distinction and deserves to be an example. His contribution to this country was extraordinary,” Sahroni said.
Finally, he said Rachmat Gobel had also inspired all NasDem cadres, adding that the party would greatly miss him.
“Throughout his life, Mr Rachmat Gobel was also an inspiring nationalist philanthropist. Those of us in NasDem witnessed his determination to keep contributing to the wider community, especially in Gorontalo — from infrastructure development to creating many jobs. Naturally, upon hearing this news, we are all grieving and feel a great sense of loss,” Sahroni said.